When Young People Get the Space to Lead

WHYY visited San Francisco to tell the story of the city’s Shared Schoolyard Program and the communities forming around newly accessible school spaces.

One of those stories centered on Wallenberg High School and then-17-year-old SF Skate Club member Ryan Miller. Ryan helped organize a major skate competition at the school, working with builders, local businesses, and the skate community to bring the event to life. More than 300 people showed up.

What makes Ryan’s story so meaningful is that he wasn’t simply given a place to skate. He was given the opportunity to take ownership, contribute, and lead.

That idea continues to be at the heart of SF Skate Club today. Skateboarding brings young people through our doors, but the opportunities to build confidence, develop leadership skills, create, mentor others, and contribute to their community are what make the experience so much bigger than skateboarding.

Ryan’s story is part of our history and a reminder of what can happen when young people are trusted with space and responsibility.

Read the full story from WHYY:San Francisco shares its schoolyards, opening communities to green spaces and one another’s lives